Oak of the Golden Dream
California State Historic Landmark 168
Plaque Photo:
02/01/96
07/13/00
#168 Oak of the Golden Dream
In Placeritas Canyon, March 1842, Francisco Lopez Y Arballo, while gathering wild onions from around an old oak, discovered gold particles clinging to the roots of the bulbs. It is estimated that $80,000 in gold was recovered as a result of this discovery.
02/01/96
#168 Oak of the Golden Dream
Francisco Lopez made California's first authenticated gold discovery on March 9, 1842. While gathering wild onions near an oak tree in Placerita Canyon he found gold particles clinging to the roots of the bulbs. The San Fernando placers and nearby San Feliciano Canyon were worked by Sonoran miners using panning, sluicing and dry washing methods. Lopez's find predated James Marshall's strike at Sutter's Mill by six years.
Site Photo:
07/13/00
Location:
Site: Placerita Canyon State and County Park, Placerita Canyon Rd, 4.6 mi NE of Newhall; plaques at SE corner of I-5 and Lyons Ave., on Sierra Hwy just E of Placerita Canyon Rd, and at site, Newhall.
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Donald Laird
